Greek Salad

Cool, refreshing, crunchy and savory.  Those words all describe the classic Greek Salad.  The use of local summer produce makes this even better.  This salad goes great with burgers, pork chops or even by itself.  Be sure to use good quality oil, vinegar and feta cheese.

1 package cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)
2 diced seeded & peeled English cucumbers
1 diced red bell pepper
1 diced yellow bell pepper
1 cup pitted kalamata olives or other brine-cured black olives, halved
1/2 thinly sliced medium red onion
1 teaspoon dried oregano
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
8oz feta cheese cubed
Freshly ground pepper to taste (you should not need salt because of the feta and olives)

Combine all vegetables and set aside.

Whisk Oil, Vinegar & lemon juice into a light emulsion.  Pout vinaigrette over vegetables and mix to combine.

Add feta and mix lightly.  Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Vinaigrette may partially solidify if refrigerated overnight.  If this occurs, leave bowl on the counter for 10-15 minutes prior to mixing and serving.

Liege Belgian Waffles with Pearl Sugar

This recipe is what inspired me to purchase a waffle iron.  After visiting the “Taste of Belgium” stall at Findley Market in Cincinnati last year I just had to learn how to make these.  “Liege” style are not your typical Belgian waffles you get at the local breakfast spot.  These are packed full of a special Pearl Sugar that caramelizes during the baking process.  The result is a crispy caramel infused pastry that does not need syrup.

Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups flour
1 package active dry yeast
3/4 cup lukewarm milk
8 oz softened butter (2 sticks)
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups pearl sugar (such as Lars’ Own®)

Directions:

  1. Dissolve yeast in lukewarm milk.
  2. Gradually add all ingredients to the flour, except the pearl sugar.
  3. Let dough rise until it doubles (about 30 minutes)
  4. Add Pearl Sugar
  5. Divide dough into 3-4oz pieces
  6. Bake in a heated & greased waffle iron

 

The Leatherman Micra – Multi-Tool

I’ve been carrying a Leatherman Micra in my pocket for the last 8-10 years.  It’s one of those items I can’t leave the house without.  Each of the 10 tools on the Micra has a specific use and rarely do I need to dig out the full sized Leatherman from the gear bar.  The scissors are surprisingly strong and have a very smooth accurate cut.  At least with me they get the biggest workout.

Tools:
1.5 inch Clip Point Knife
Extra-small Screwdriver
Medium Screwdriver
Flat Phillips Head Screwdriver
Spring-action Scissors
Nail File/Cleaner
Bottle Opener
Ruler
Tweezers

Size:
2.5 inches long when closed
1.6 inches blade length

Weight:
1.75 ounces

List Price:
$20

If you are looking for a small, well made multi-tool you really can’t go wrong with the Leatherman Micra.

 

  • • 420HC Clip Point Knife.
    • Extra-small Screwdriver.
    • Medium Screwdriver.
    • Flat Phillips Head Screwdriver.
    • Spring-action Scissors.
    • Nail File/Cleaner.
    • Bottle Opener.
    • Ruler.
    • Tweezers.
  • Measurements:
    • 2.5 inches long when closed.
    • 1.6 inches blade length.

 

Have a Blackberry & Travel? You Need This App!

The newly released Blackberry Travel App is based on the popular WorldMate app that’s been around for a few years now.  The Blackberry Travel App has been streamlined and a lot of tasks have been automated so you get the information you need when you need it.  Check out the video below for a good overview of the application.  You can download it here.